Original cast member LaRoyce Hawkins is leaving the NBC police procedural "Chicago P. D."
after portraying Officer Kevin Atwater for 13 seasons, according to a report by Deadline.
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The 38-year-old actor will wrap up his character's arc during the first episodes of season 14.
Production is now casting a new series regular to play a Black police officer described as an "agent of chaos."
Hawkins has not publicly commented on his exit.
His departure follows recent cast changes, including Toya Turner's single-season appearance and the exits of Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos.
Chicago Fire Showrunner Also Departs
In a related shift within the franchise, "Chicago Fire" showrunner Andrea Newman is leaving after 14 seasons. Co-executive producer Victor Teran will take over leadership.
"Working at Chicago Fire, with the absolute best cast and crew in the business, has been the highlight of my career," Newman said.
She credited creator Dick Wolf as her inspiration and thanked executive producers Peter Jankowski, Rebecca McGill, Anastasia Puglisi, Derek Haas, and network executives for their support.
"After 14 years, you really do become a family and working with this group will always feel like home," she added.
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Executive producer Peter Jankowski acknowledged the transition. "We're sad to say goodbye to Andrea.
She's been at the center of the heart and soul of Chicago Fire since the beginning and the show thrived under her watch.
We're grateful for her commitment to the development of the next generation and know the show will be in great hands with Victor taking the reins."
Frequent cast rotations across the One Chicago franchise have been addressed by network executives.
"Cast comes in, cast goes out," said Jeff Bader, NBC President of Program Planning, in July 2024. He noted that changes happen annually but the lineup remains strong.
"We're thrilled with how the One Chicago universe does on Wednesday. We have no plans on changing anything on that night," Bader said.
"Chicago P. D."
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is scheduled to return to NBC this fall.
